Is my oil pressure Low? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Arl37 · 12-10-2011, 08:31 PM

1972 307 in 69 C10. See below pics. Low reading is at idle when warm. High reading is driving at normal highway speeds. I have read that hash marks on gauge are for O-15-30-45-60 psi. If that is correct then I idle at 5 or 6 psi and at about 30 on freeway. Is this low or normal for a high mileage engine? Name: IMG_0429.jpg
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Runs smooth no knocks. Thinking of rebuliding before I paint but why do it if engine is Ok?

hjewell2 · 12-10-2011, 08:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Arl37

1972 307 in 69 C10. See below pics. Low reading is at idle when warm. High reading is driving at normal highway speeds. I have read that hash marks on gauge are for O-15-30-45-60 psi. If that is correct then I idle at 5 or 6 psi and at about 30 on freeway. Is this low or normal for a high mileage engine?Attachment 840084

Attachment 840085 Runs smooth no knocks. Thinking of rebuliding before I paint but why do it if engine is Ok?

If it was mine I would hook up another oil gauge that has # readings and compare the two.

wyo tim · 12-10-2011, 08:51 PM

As a rule you need 10psi for every 1000rpm for a stock small block chevy.

cdowns · 12-11-2011, 07:43 AM

i'd say that is very normal for a high milage smallblock chevy engine and nothing to b overly concerned about

it might slightly raise pressure if you run a 20/50 oil

redbaron69 · 12-11-2011, 09:31 AM

x2 on cdowns comment.

Longhorn Man · 12-11-2011, 10:52 AM

that looks like a tired and worn out motor.
She could last 'X' more years... or days.

**D.PASSMORE** · 12-11-2011, 11:45 AM

Couple of questions: Is the guage a 60 or 80 psi type. Do you have a high volume oil pump? What grade oil are you running?

If its a 80 psi, that looks fairly normal after the oil has been ran awhile. If its a 60 psi, its a little low if idleing at 0800 rpms.

A high volume will increse the oil pressue on a mechanical guage.

Oil vicosity also has effect on pressue. In the past, 10-30W runs about that range after warmed up. I run straight 30w here in FL and it stays higher on a 60 psi guage.

I would run it until you get all symptoms to rebuild or replace. ie: fouled plugs, exhaust smoke, noise power and low compression when checked.

12-10-2011, 08:31 PM	#1
Arl37 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Valley Center, Ca Posts: 277	Is my oil pressure Low? 1972 307 in 69 C10. See below pics. Low reading is at idle when warm. High reading is driving at normal highway speeds. I have read that hash marks on gauge are for O-15-30-45-60 psi. If that is correct then I idle at 5 or 6 psi and at about 30 on freeway. Is this low or normal for a high mileage engine? Runs smooth no knocks. Thinking of rebuliding before I paint but why do it if engine is Ok?

12-10-2011, 08:51 PM	#3
wyo tim Registered User Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: gillette wyoming Posts: 19	Re: Is my oil pressure Low? As a rule you need 10psi for every 1000rpm for a stock small block chevy. __________________ 72 Chevy K20 NV 4500 /dana 60 /gm 14bt 72 GMC K10 Super Custom 84 GMC K35 SRW 454 t400/205 03 Ram 2500 w/Cummins

12-11-2011, 07:43 AM	#4
cdowns Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: daytonabeach Posts: 22,956	Re: Is my oil pressure Low? i'd say that is very normal for a high milage smallblock chevy engine and nothing to b overly concerned about it might slightly raise pressure if you run a 20/50 oil __________________ 71c-10 350/2004r/4:11 lowered3/4 longbed/dead by hurricane MEANING OF DEATH::::: SOMEBODY ELSE GETS YOUR STUFF DONT BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU THINK TAKE MY ADVISE;I DON'T USE IT ANYWAY

12-11-2011, 09:31 AM	#5
redbaron69 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: marion nc Posts: 588	Re: Is my oil pressure Low? x2 on cdowns comment. __________________ 69 short fleet 350/350 "under construction" 70 short step 307/3 speed

12-11-2011, 10:52 AM	#6
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,690	Re: Is my oil pressure Low? that looks like a tired and worn out motor. She could last 'X' more years... or days.

12-11-2011, 11:45 AM	#7
D.PASSMORE One of the First Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: St. Augustine,FL. Posts: 4,059	Re: Is my oil pressure Low? Couple of questions: Is the guage a 60 or 80 psi type. Do you have a high volume oil pump? What grade oil are you running? If its a 80 psi, that looks fairly normal after the oil has been ran awhile. If its a 60 psi, its a little low if idleing at 0800 rpms. A high volume will increse the oil pressue on a mechanical guage. Oil vicosity also has effect on pressue. In the past, 10-30W runs about that range after warmed up. I run straight 30w here in FL and it stays higher on a 60 psi guage. I would run it until you get all symptoms to rebuild or replace. ie: fouled plugs, exhaust smoke, noise power and low compression when checked. __________________ DAVID PASSMORE ST AUGUSTINE ,FL ZIP 32084 '71 SWB K/10 CUSTOM DELUXE (Chili) '72 BLAZER K/5 Muscle Truck (Mule) '72 LWB K/20 CHEYENNE (Blackie)



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